United States President Donald Trump and rival Joe Biden met in a final face-to-face debate last night which gave American voters a last look at them on the same stage just a few days before election day. Polls consistently gave the Democratic challenger an edge both nationally and in multiple swing states. Let’s listen to some of the highlights of the debate…

LINK: What is it about the American politics, especially the presidency that draws the world’s attention so much? Why should we care who makes it to the White House every time there’s an election?

Guest: Dr Philani Mthembu – Executive Director at the Institute for Global Dialogue

There was mixed reactions yesterday in parliament as MP’s and premiers gave their input to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan which he announced last week. Some political parties were more worried about how realistic this plan is going to be as they feel there’s nothing new to it. Let’s listen to what some of the parties had to say…

CLIP-PARTIES

LINK: What Cosatu did not like very much was the proposal for the privatisation of some main train routes in the country. The other main one is job creation and to get their view on the labour side of this, we are joined on the line by….

Guest: Michael Shingange – Cosatu’s Deputy President

We speak now to Tanya van Lill - CEO of the Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. She is coming up with solutions that could same the SMME sector that has been severely affected by the Covid-19 lockdown. She is pointing to what she says is a “simple” amendment to Regulation 28 – a regulation in terms of the Pension Funds Act that specifies ceilings for exposures to different asset classes. She now joins us on the line to explain her thinking…

Guest: Tanya van Lill - CEO of the Southern African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association

The actual day for Black Wednesday was on Monday the 19th of October and since it is a special day that shaped the course of the media in our country, we thought to allocate it enough time looking at the role the media played in contributing to our democracy. Back in1977 just after the death of Steve Biko, the government of the day decided to crackdown on the media targeting publications that were critical of them. Now when we discuss Black Wednesday, the name of Percy Qoboza who was editor of The World newspaper in those days pops up. He was arrested and his deputy Aggrey Klaaste were arrested by the Special Branch for all the stories they were publishing. Let’s listen to this sound clip of Qoboza speaking at the City Club of Cleveland event in the US in 1981. He was appealing to the United States to take a more active approach in addressing social justice issues and human rights violations in Africa..

CLIP-QOBOZA

LINK: In our roundtable this morning we speak to some of our colleagues in the media about the state of the media and the role it played in shaping democracies and nation building and to navigate the subject, we are joined by….

Guest: Sibusiso Ngalwa.- Sanef Chairperson

Guest: Phathiswa Magopeni - Group Executive for News & Current Affairs for the SABC
Guest: Angela Quintal - Programme Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists Africa (CPJ).
Guest:Hopewell Chin’ono, Zimbabwean investigative journalist.

Today being Tuesday, it’s time for our regular UIF feature where Tsiamo Molema addresses all your questions. Please remember to keep your questions very brief and listen on the radio for answers. Also keep your voice notes short and to the point…..

GUEST: Tshiamo Molema – Manager for Monitoring and Evaluation in the Commissioner’s Office

Last week we received a call from two inmates based at the Kutama Sinthumule Correctional Centre, from a gentleman by the name Rasekwai who was calling on his fellow inmate’s behalf, Mr Nkomo. He was seeking advice for his health condition as. Let’s listen to what he had to say….

CLIP-PRISON-CALLER

LINK: For a response on this and also to find out what sort of medical assistance the Department of Correctional Services provides to inmates,
Guest: Singabakho Nxumalo – Spokesperson for Correctional Services

Today Bryan looks at the cost of medical aid which makes up a large part of one’s expenses, however, before the end of the year members do have choices. Bryan is also giving a report back on the Means Test question from last week….

GUEST: Bryan Hirsch, Chairperson of Bryan Hirsch, Colley & Associates (Pty) Limited

There has been a positive response so far to the news that Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe has gazetted amendments to the Electricity Regulations on New Generation Capacity. This will allow municipalities to embark on their own power generation projects. However, this only applies to municipalities with good standing. For a perspective on this,

Guest: Nhlanhla Ngidi – Head of Energy and Electricity at SALGA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the Special Covid-19 Grant will be extended further by three months. The President was unveiling government's reconstruction and economic recovery plan during a joint sitting of Parliament. The plan consists of four priority interventions which include massive rollout of infrastructure, energy generation, employment stimulus and industrial growth. The President says support for vulnerable households is also important…

Guest: Sacha Knox, policy analyst and member of the #PayTheGrants Campaign
Guest: Sifiso Skenjana - Skenjana is chief economist and thought leadership executive at IQ Business
Guest: Daddy Mabe – A grant claimant and member of the Cash Transfer Group within C19 Coalition representing the Assembly of the Unemployed

Guest: Professor Dumisa – Independent Economist and admitted advocate of the High Court

South Africa is in a far better position in terms of media freedom compared to Apartheid days. However the South African media industry still faces serious challenges including journalists being harassed by police and the community whilst covering news stories. The impact of Covid-19 on the economy has also resulted in some 700 journalists losing their jobs as media companies shut down operations or retrench workers. Today (Monday), South Africa commemorates Black Wednesday also marked as National Press Freedom day where a number of events will be held where journalists and media workers will reflect on the state of press freedom under the current challenges. Tshepo Phagane has more…

PKG-BLACK-WEDNESDAY

LINK: We will bring you a special discussion on Wednesday around Black Wednesday. But since today is the actual day in history, let us reflect on where we are as the media and our role in this democracy as we welcome…

Guest: Prof Anton Harber – Head of the Journalism and Media Studies Programme at Wits University